The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene conducted a site visit to the Garden of Remembrance (GoR) at Wo Hop Shek Kiu Tau Road Columbarium Phase V today (May 27) to understand green burial facilities and services in Hong Kong.

     Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, Members first received a briefing on scattering of ashes at sea and GoRs by representatives of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). Members then visited the Western style and Chinese style GoRs at the Columbarium to better understand the environment and facilities.  Members also observed a demonstration on ash scattering using the ash scattering device by a representative of FEHD.

     During the visit, Members exchanged views with the Government officials on how to promote green burial. Among others, they suggested that the Government should consider establishing a signification system for members of the public to, at the same time, indicate their decision of not to receive life-sustaining treatment if they are terminally ill as well as willingness to donate organ and adopt green burial after death.

     Members participating in the visit were the Chairman of the Panel, Dr Helena Wong; the Deputy Chairman, Mr Lau Kwok-fan; and Panel member, Mr Leung Yiu-chung; as well as non-Panel members, Mr Yiu Si-wing and Mr Poon Siu-ping.

Ends/Saturday, May 27, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:31

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